How do I find my MPAN number? A Guide to MPAN Numbers

What is an MPAN number?

Meter Point Administration Number, or MPAN for short, is essentially your ID for your electricity supply point. Specifically, the electrical connection between your home and the national grid. Sometimes it’s called your ‘supply number’. Your MPAN is usually a set of 21 numbers spread out on two rows in a grid-like format, 8 on the top line and 13 on the bottom and starts with an S.

Visually, it will look something along the lines of the below:

Important: While a 21-digit number overall, you only need the last 13 numbers when inputting or submitting your MPAN number, as these are your unique identifiers. Double-check the digits before to make sure you’ve not included all 21.

Keep in mind your Meter Point Administration Number isn’t the same as your customer reference number – they are two separate entities.

In fact, your MPAN is typically attached to the property, rather than you, the individual. So, if you move house or change offices, your number will be different. However, if you switch electricity providers but remain in the same property, your number will remain the same.

Again, if you get a smart meter, despite being new, the property is the same, and so your MPAN is the same.

MPAN, MPRN and MSN – what’s the difference?

If you’re currently staring at your electric meter, perhaps a few cobwebs and a rogue spider, too, the numbers splayed across are not what you need. In fact, your MPAN number isn’t on the electric meter at all. The numbers you’ll find on your meter are actually your Meter Serial Number (MSN). This is the number for your physical meter, specifically the hardware, not the connection.

Don’t confuse MPAN and MPRN, either. They may sound similar, but they aren’t the same.

Long story short, MPAN is for electricity. Meter point reference number, or MPRN, on the other hand, is for gas. If you’re switching energy suppliers for gas and electricity, you’ll need both of these on hand.

Why do you have an MPAN number?

Realistically, MPAN numbers exist for one core reason – to inform your energy supplier of your electricity usage and, in turn, manage, track and provide the correct billing information.

Who set your MPAN number, and can you change it?

Your local Distribution Network Operator sets your MPAN number. With this in mind, you can’t change your number once it’s been given to a property.

That said, there should be no reason to change it in the first place.

How do I find my MPAN number?

Below are the ways you can find your number, including how to find your MPAN number without a bill to hand.

1. The easiest way to find your MPAN number is by checking your electricity bill. Unfold the paper. Look at the top. Your unique number will be there.
2. Use the National Grid website. Specifically, their postcode checker. Type in your postcode and your number will pop up immediately.
3. Call your electricity supplier directly. If you don’t know your electricity provider, for example, if you’ve just moved, ring the National Grid and they can provide this information. Be aware that they can’t distribute your MPAN number, so you will then have to contact your electricity provider.
4. Some electricity suppliers have an instant postcode checker. EDF, for example, has its own MPAN checker.
5. Other electricity suppliers have their own forms to request the information. Northern Powergrid, for example.
6. If you’ve just moved house and have contact with the old owners, ask if they have any documentation with the MPAN number on it.

Finally, before you head outside to check your meter, don’t. Remember – you won’t find your MPAN number on your meter.

When is your MPAN number needed?

You could go months – even years – without needing, or knowing, your MPAN if you’re content with your home and your electricity supplier. Electricity and payments may have been ticking away behind the scenes.

But there are times when your MPAN number is essential. These instances include:

•  Moving house: You will need to find out your new number for your new property. Take note when you first move in.
• Changing electricity supplier: You’ll need to notify your old electricity supplier that you’re switching supplier, and then give your new electricity supplier your MPAN number.
• EV charger installation: Your local DNO needs your number to approve installation.
• Solar installation: Like EV charger installation, your DNO needs to know your MPAN.

EV chargers and MPAN numbers: Why are they needed?

As touched upon above, your local DNO, or Distribution Network Operator, needs your MPAN number. Why? Because your local DNO needs to be notified of all EV charger installations, and needs to give final approval before one can go ahead. With your number, they can identify your electricity supply and make sure everything seems correct and is recorded accordingly.

Plus, with access to your MPAN, your DNO can check your electricity and confirm whether your supply can handle the additional load from an EV charging point.

Regulation-compliant, professional EV charger installers, like ourselves, will submit the DNO notification form on your behalf, and so keep in mind that you will be asked for your MPAN during the initial online site survey.

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